Jaleel lived with his family in the NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA) housing in Long Island City. It was an environment that kept him in constant stress while navigating unpredictable encounters in the neighborhood. “I just wanted my own space. I want to see what the experience is like living on my own, how to do my own rent and stuff.” 

After three years of searching for a supportive housing option, Jaleel learned about opportunities through Services for the UnderServed (S:US) from his partner. With the help of his case manager, he applied for housing at S:US’ Alafia in East New York. The process took time, but when he finally interviewed for his apartment, he felt it was the right fit.  

Jaleel finally moved into his own apartment in June 2025. He arrived only with his essentials, an airbed and clothing, but the moment he held the keys, he felt pride. “When I first saw this place [Alafia], I was just like, oh my God, this is really nice. This is really perfect for me. I felt like finally I made it. I did it.” Over time, he built up his new apartment piece by piece with guidance from S:US staff. 

Living at Alafia has given Jaleel more than a roof over his head. It gives him the chance to manage his life on his own terms. He’s become more mindful about budgeting and learned to advocate for himself. “It’s relieving… I like living on my own. It’s a little less stressful,” shared Jaleel. 

He appreciates the support from S:US staff, especially when navigating things like rent, bills, and paperwork. Having someone to ask questions makes the process of independent living less overwhelming. Jaleel wants others who are seeking independence to know what’s possible.  

When he looks around his apartment now, he sees how much progress he’s made and the life he’s building. He sees the version of himself he always hoped he’d become. “It’s one of the best experiences I ever had living on my own,”he shared. 

S:US’ Alafia has given Jaleel the foundation to grow, to dream, and to finally feel at home.

• Learn more about S:US’ Developmental Disabilities Services.
• Learn more about S:US’ Urban Farms.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Terry’s military journey spanned decades. He served in the U.S. Army beginning in 2004, eventually joining the National Guard. His years of service brought purpose and pride, but also hardships, including trauma, that followed him home. Reflecting on what it means to serve, he shared: “When you sign your name on a dotted line and you join the military, you more or less sign your rights away… But with that comes a lot of perks, because you feel good about yourself, because you’re serving your country.” 

Transitioning to civilian life proved challenging. After losing his job and his home, Terry found himself couch-surfing before entering a homeless shelter for veterans. Asking for help felt foreign to him. “We’re used to being self-reliant, and now you’re depending on other people… But just because you lost everything, that doesn’t mean you lost support.” 

At the shelter, he met S:US staff who visited weekly. It was the first step toward rebuilding his life. “There’s not one person I’ve interacted with at S:US that doesn’t want to help you… Everyone’s trying to help because they want you to get back on your feet.” 

With assistance from the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) team, including help with housing, employment resources, and essentials, Terry secured an apartment. “I actually got my own apartment. It’s my first apartment… I’m going to make it work.” The support he received mattered deeply to Terry, but so did the community connection and the care he felt from staff. “It’s more personal than anything else I’ve seen… Everybody legitimately really cares.” 

Terry shares his story in hopes of encouraging other veterans who feel hesitant to seek support. “I would tell them to put their pride in their pocket… You can always replace material things; you can’t replace human connection.” He also spreads the word by sharing S:US information to other veterans who might need help. As he put it, “Whoever made the name for the organization [Services for the UnderServed]—it fits. Because we’re not just handed something; we make it happen together.” 

With a safe home and renewed stability, Terry is moving forward and currently in the process of securing full-time employment. He is grateful for the small acts of kindness that helped him get here. “It takes two words to say thank you. It takes two seconds to smile… Simple things, but they make a big deal.” 

This success story was made possible through a generous grant from the Bob Woodruff Foundation, with funding from Craig Newmark Philanthropies, which enables S:US to expand our support services for service members, veterans, their families, and caregivers across New York City and Long Island. We’re proud to be a member of the Bob Woodruff Foundation’s #GotYour6 Network and thank them for helping us continue this critical work. 

• Learn more about S:US’ Housing.
• Learn more about S:US’ Veterans Services.

“The Power of Nurses,” honors the irreplaceable value of nurses in keeping the nation healthy and thriving. Nurses make a difference by ensuring quality patient care. Nurses make a difference by influencing and shaping health policy decisions. Nurses make a difference by caring, no matter the circumstance. This week and month are a time to honor the commitment, resilience, and vast contributions of nurses in our city and our nation. 

We’re grateful to our nurses for their commitment to supporting New Yorkers in need. We value the impact nurses have made in so many lives – whether they work in our homeless shelters, supportive housing, treatment and recovery services, developmental disabilities services, or other programs.

A month is not enough time to tell nurses how much they mean to us. We appreciate nurses every day!

This year’s theme, “More Good Days, Together,” encourages us all to reflect on what a “good” day looks like, both for ourselves, and for our communities. Together, we can use that insight to connect people to the right support at the right time, and shape advocacy, education, and community engagement to make more good days possible for all.

Being able to maintain good mental health is essential to every individual’s overall health and wellbeing. Mental health conditions are common, manageable, and treatable. One in 5 people will experience a mental health condition in any given year, and everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health.

Together, we can overcome mental health challenges. We can support each other, listen, and uplift each other. We can bring our voices together to advocate for mental health and access to care. The more we talk about mental health, the less stigma surrounds it. As a community, we can realize our shared vision of a nation where anyone affected by mental illness can get the appropriate support and quality of care to live healthy, fulfilling lives.

Call 911 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger or go to the nearest emergency room.

Mental Health Screening: Online screening at Mental Health America is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine if you’re experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. The screenings are free, confidential, and scientifically validated.

NYC 988: NYC 988 is your connection to free, confidential mental health support. Speak to a counselor via phone, text, or chat and get access to mental health and substance use services, in more than 200 languages, 24/7/365, from your phone, tablet, or computer.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support to people in distress. Call 988 to be connected with a crisis counselor. Crisis counselors who speak Spanish are available by calling 988 and pressing 2.

Texting the 988 Lifeline: When you text 988, you will complete a short survey letting the crisis counselor know a little about your situation. You will be connected with a trained crisis counselor in a crisis center who will answer the text, provide support, and share resources if needed.

BlackLine: BlackLine provides a space for peer support and counseling, while witnessing and affirming the lived experiences of folx who are most impacted by systematic oppression with an LGBTQ+ Black femme lens. Call 1-800-604- 5841. Note: This resource is divested from the police.

Caregiver Help Desk: Contact Caregiver Action Network’s Care Support Team by dialing 855-227-3640. Staffed by caregiving experts, the Help Desk helps you find the right information you need to help you navigate your complex caregiving challenges. Caregiving experts are available 8 am-7 pm EST.

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: If you or a child you know is being hurt or doesn’t feel safe at home, you can call or text 1-800-4-ACHILD (1-800-422-4453) or start an online chat at childhelp.org to reach a crisis counselor. They can help you figure out next steps to work through what is happening and stay safe.

Crisis Text Line: Text HELLO to 741-741 to be connected with a crisis counselor who will help you get through your big emotions.

Disaster Distress Helpline: A crisis line that individuals can contact when natural or man-made traumatic events occur, such as floods, earthquakes, and terrorist acts. The Helpline will provide information, support, and counseling. Call 1-800-985-5990.

Domestic Violence Hotline: If you’re experiencing domestic violence, looking for resources or information, or are questioning unhealthy aspects of your relationship, call 1-800-799-7233 or go to thehotline.org to virtually chat with an advocate.

NAMI Helpline: A free, nationwide peer support service providing information, resource referrals, and support to people living with a mental health condition, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers, and the public. Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264), weekdays from 10 am-10 pm EST.

Sexual Assault Hotline: Call 800-656-HOPE (4673). Connect with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area that offers access to a range of free services. Crisis chat support is available at Online Hotline. Free help, 24/7.

StrongHearts Native Helpline: Call 1-844-762-8483. The StrongHearts Native Helpline is a confidential and anonymous culturally appropriate domestic violence and dating violence helpline for Native Americans, available every day from 7 am- 10 pm CST.

The Trevor Project: The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth. Trained counselors are available 24/7 to youth in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe, judgment-free person to talk to. Call 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678-678 or start an online chat at thetrevorproject.org/get-help.

Trans Lifeline: Call 877-565-8860. Trans Lifeline’s hotline is a peer support service run by trans people, for trans and questioning callers.

Veterans Crisis Line: Veterans Crisis Line connects veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. Open 24/7, call 1-800-273-8255.

Warmlines: Warmlines are staffed by trained peers who have been through their own mental health struggles and know what it’s like to need someone to talk to.

• Learn more about S:US’ Behavioral Health Services.
• Learn more about S:US’ services.

This year’s theme, “Power in Unity: Strengthening Communities Together,” highlights the importance of leveraging our collective power, telling our stories, and being bridge builders in our communities. The imagery of the bridge in this year’s artwork inspires us to unite in our common causes. Bridges represent many values that are prevalent in AANHPI communities – innovation, resilience, hard work, connection, and a sense of belonging. 

Why do we celebrate AANHPI Heritage in May? In 1992, Congress established May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month to coincide with two key milestones: the arrival of the nation’s first Japanese immigrants (May 7, 1843) and Chinese workers’ pivotal role in building the transcontinental railroad (completed May 10, 1869). The move expanded what had been Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week since 1978. In 2021, a presidential proclamation broadened it to include Native Hawaiians.

Services for the UnderServed stands with all of our AANHPI staff, partners, people we serve, and our community. We will continue to work hard to ensure all New Yorkers feel safe, protected, and empowered. 

If you or someone you know has faced harassment or discrimination, contact the NYC Commission on Human Rights by filling out our online form or by calling 212-416-0197. If you are a victim of or witness a hate crime, call 911. There is language support if you need interpretation services.

Today, approximately 7.6 million Jewish Americans make up roughly 2.4% of the U.S. population. A quarter of Jewish Americans live in the New York City metropolitan area; our city has the second-largest Jewish population of any city in the world! We have many people on staff and people we serve who are Jewish American.

The city’s large Jewish population has produced trailblazers in nearly every field imaginable: whether it’s Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, composer Irving Berlin, or baseball star Hank Greenberg, there are countless Jewish New Yorkers whose contributions to our society and culture we commemorate this month, and all year long.

Unfortunately, Jewish Americans continue to face discrimination and prejudice in our city and our country. There has been a staggering rise in antisemitism in our country in the past couple of years. Together, we must all combat antisemitism and other forms of hate. We stand with our staff, friends, neighbors, the people we serve, and all Jewish Americans. We will continue to work towards racial equity and social justice.

If you or someone you know has faced harassment or discrimination, contact the NYC Commission on Human Rights by filling out an online form or by calling 212-416-0197. If you are a victim of or witness a hate crime, call 911. There is language support if you need interpretation services.

We wear denim on the last Wednesday of April to support survivors and to raise sexual assault awareness. We thank our staff for showing up for each other and the people we serve.

• Learn more about Services for the UnderServed.
• Learn more about Services for the UnderServed’s services.

Mr. Machado, resident, speaks to News 12 about the impact of housing on his life.

April 28, 2026
News 12 Brooklyn
Aurora Fowlkes

For years, Juan Machado moved from shelter to shelter, never certain where he would land next. Now, he opens the door to something different – a place of his own that represents stability, safety and a fresh start.

“This isn’t just any apartment,” Machado said. “I was welcomed, like this was for me. And I didn’t feel like I was a stranger or that I would have restrictions. It felt like home!”

Machado’s new beginning comes as part of the Marcus Garvey Apartments expansion, a major affordable housing project backed by Services for the UnderServed (S:US), L+M Development Partners, and The Osborne Association. Gov. Kathy Hochul also played a key role, helping secure $82.8 million in funding to bring the development to life.

One of the newly completed buildings, Building G, includes 109 affordable units, with more than half designated as supportive housing for people transitioning out of homelessness.

“Building G has 109 affordable apartments – 55 of those apartments are supportive apartments – people will be paired with supportive services provided by S:US,” said Lauren LaMack, Director of Housing Development at Services for the UnderServed.

Those services are designed to help residents regain independence, offering job and health support, financial guidance, and assistance with reconnecting families.

Each resident works with a dedicated wellness coach to help navigate that journey. Machado says that support has already changed his outlook.

“I started on the other side of the tracks and never really been given any opportunities,” he said. “Now I have a job, I have this beautiful apartment – I still have a lot more to go, so I appreciate it.”

In addition to supportive programming, residents have access to amenities that help create a sense of community, including on-site laundry, a fitness center, a shared lounge, and a courtyard. The building is also fully electric and topped with solar panels, adding a sustainable element to the project.

An official ribbon-cutting is expected this fall, marking the next chapter for the development and for residents like Machado.

“Affordable housing is the answer to the homelessness crisis and the more housing we build, the more people we can get into homes,” LaMack said.

Read the original article here.

Sarah G. Gilliard, LCSW

Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) have shifted the way we approach treatment and the delivery of behavioral health services. Those who hold the designation of CCBHC have been tasked with providing a person-centered model that combines mental health services, substance use treatment, targeted case management, and physical health monitoring under one roof. This “one-stop shopping” approach reduces disruptions in care and helps to eliminate barriers that have historically prevented individuals from accessing the support they need. In this integrated model, Peer Navigators/Peer Specialists (at times used interchangeably) play an integral role in improving engagement, supporting recovery, and acting as a bridge between CCBHCs and the communities that have begun to embrace them as a resource. 

“You don’t understand.” We have all felt this way at some point in our lives. However, for those who are on their recovery journey, this statement is an outward verbalization of the isolation they often feel as they battle the symptoms that have added to the obstacles in their lives. While each person’s story is different, peers bring something valuable to the behavioral health workforce: lived experience. Peers are able to meet participants where they are and share their own stories of resilience and overcoming. They understand. Peers have utilized the tools that were shared with them, have successfully navigated that part of their recovery process, and are in a position to give back in the form of modeling and guiding with experiential knowledge. They offer empathy and insight that is different from other interventions because they have lived it. For individuals with mental health and substance use challenges, the peer perspective can make a world of difference.  

Because of the integrative nature of CCBHCs, the population served includes individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders, often referred to as dually diagnosed. These individuals have historically encountered many barriers to care, including stigma and limited social support. Peers have helped to address these barriers by providing resources while creating spaces of trust and understanding. When someone speaks with a peer, the dialogue shifts from a clinical assessment to an authentic human connection. This connection often becomes a powerful source of hope because it is grounded in a shared path. Peers become mentors, advocates, and guides throughout the recovery journey. They help participants navigate complex systems, access resources, and build the skills necessary for maintaining overall wellness. Perhaps most importantly, peers within CCBHCs help reduce stigma related to mental illness and substance use. By sharing their stories of recovery, they demonstrate that goals are attainable and success is not out of reach. For many participants, this visible example of recovery provides a concept that clinicians may not be able to convey: if you can see it, you can be it.  

Within CCBHCs, peers are not meant to function in isolation. Instead, they are an integral part of a multidisciplinary team that may include prescribers, case managers, substance use counselors, psychotherapists, nurses, and administrative staff. When peers are woven into this collaborative environment, they contribute a different lens through which treatment planning and service delivery can be viewed. Their insights can help clinical teams better understand the lived realities of participants and assist with interventions that are both practical and meaningful. 

Successful integration of peers requires thoughtful planning and clear workflows that focus on delivery of high quality, wrap around services. Peers should be supported through training and supervision. CCBHC training of peers often includes topics such as professional boundaries and ethics, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care and recovery-oriented practices, etc. While knowledgeable and trained in some clinical interventions, peer roles should be clearly defined as their responsibilities differ from counseling. Peer supervision should embrace the duality of their role: professional responsibilities and personal experience. Work in a CCBHCs can be emotionally taxing for all, but perhaps particularly for peers who are on their own recovery journeys. An ongoing focus on wellness and self-care is needed in addition to workplace support to ensure optimal peer service delivery and peer retention.  

When integrated effectively, peer support can enhance engagement in CCBHC services. Participants who may have struggled with consistent engagement often appreciate being able to speak with someone who understands what they have experienced firsthand. This increased engagement can lead to improved outcomes when one measures treatment adherence, symptom management of co-occurring disorders, improved physical health, and connections to stable housing and employment. However, success in peer support cannot be measured solely through traditional metrics such as achieving objectives, goals, and successful program completion. Peer support is fundamentally about connection. It is about building relationships that help participants rediscover their strengths and envision a future beyond a diagnosis. 

In many ways, peer support functions as an intervention in itself. A connection that instills hope, a moment of shared understanding, or a simple affirmation that recovery is possible can significantly influence a person’s journey. Peers provide support not only to participants, but to the broader multidisciplinary team. Their insights often help staff better understand participant perspectives and community dynamics. As CCBHCs continue to evolve, the integration of peers will remain central to delivering a truly person-centered care. By combining clinical expertise with lived experience, CCBHCs create comprehensive systems of support that address the full complexity of behavioral health needs. Treating the whole individual. Peers represent another line of defense in the journey of treatment and recovery: one grounded in empathy, authenticity, and the belief that healing is possible. 

The integration of peers into CCBHCs is not simply a workforce strategy. It is a commitment to honoring the voices and experiences of those who have lived through mental health and substance use challenges. When peers are fully supported, respected, and integrated into multidisciplinary teams, they strengthen the fabric of behavioral health care and help ensure that recovery remains at the center of every service delivered. 

For more information about our CCBHC clinics, please visit Wellness Works or contact us: 
CTI@sus.org | (212) 360-7116 in Harlem
wellnessworks@sus.org | (347) 226-9025 in Brooklyn 

Read the original article here.

Read an in‑depth interview with Joseph Wilson, a Certified Addiction Recovery Coach and Peer Specialist at our Wellness Works CCBHC clinic. He explains how he supports people with mental illness and substance use disorders through outreach, engagement, and ongoing peer support—emphasizing patient-centered care, community collaboration, and the power of lived experience.

• Learn more about S:US’ Behavioral Health Services.
• Learn more about S:US’ services.